Final Post on Vietnam Trip

My luggage was half full when I left Malaysia but it was overweight by about 5 kg after the trip. As I checked in my luggage, I prayed silently that I would not be charged for excess baggage. Thank God for answering my prayer.

At KLIA
After collecting my luggage, I walked towards the exit. Suddenly, the immigration officer called me and requested for my luggage to be scanned. After scanning, I thought it was ok for me to leave. As I was walking away, I was called again to open my luggage! I was shocked and a bit fearful. He asked me whether I bought any new clothes and I said yes. He asked, “How many?” and I answered about 20 (actually I counted 14 when I reached home). He said that it’s quite a lot. I told them that there are all for my family and I have big family (including my in-laws). He said according to the regulation I was only allowed to bring in 3 pieces of new clothing. I told him that I was not aware of this. Then, he picked this custom declaration slip somewhere and showed it to me. I saw and read the regulation. But I was still puzzled. Later, I realized that the regulation applies to foreigners only not Malaysian. The whole conversation actually took place in Bahasa Malaysia. He checked through my luggage and found a can of coke and a bottle of coke. I explained that I collect them as souvenirs. He asked about the rest of the content, and I told him that those are mainly souvenirs. He seemed reluctant to let me go but I guessed that he had no reason to retain me. Eventually, he said nevermind and ok. Probably, through the conversation he realized that I’m a Malaysian and released me. For whatever reason, I thank God for His protection and favour.

More on Vietnam…

Things that I find different in Vietnam

Left-hand drive.

Most bikers wear hat and mask, and not helmet.

Wet tissue is served before meal – clean first before you eat.

Toothpicks are available on every table – my Dad need not ask for toothpick when he’s there.

Tea is served with lemon slices.

Wax is used to start the fire for steamboat. Hmm…not so healthy.

Blackboard and chalk is still used in the University for teaching.

The rain coat is rather unique – it covers the front and back of the motorbike. It comes in assorted colours.

Cool rain coat


Look, there is a child in between the 2 adults.

A Taxi

About Vietnamese
To me, they are very simple people – hardworking, clean, extremely creative (look at all the traps and the tunnel they designed). Generally, the ladies are pretty and sweet. Because of the food they eat (non oily and sour), you hardly see any fat Vietnamese. Their portion of the beef noodle is smaller than here but it is just nice. Malaysians tend to overeat. Occasionally, as I traveled around Ho Chi Minh City, I said a short prayer for Vietnam. May God bless this nation, and that the whole nation would turn to Him.

Overall, it was good trip – both for business and shopping. It was good to meet up with some of the Universities and Colleges. So far, I have only 1 Vietnamese student in my course and he has just graduated. I hope to see more Vietnamese students, and this trip will enable me to relate to them better. Basically, they have 2 main concerns in studying overseas – language and finance. We have compared the cost, and it is definitely more affordable for them to study in Malaysia to earn a UK degree than studying in UK. We have also assured them that English support will be provided. Hopefully, the collaboration would be successful.

My Passport
My passport was blacklisted about 13 years ago. Why? It’s a long story. Anyway, someone used my old IC to apply for a temporary passport, and that someone was caught for being involved in illegal activities. Because the Immigration Department wanted to find out the main culprit, they blacklisted my passport. The case was closed only this year. For the past 13 years, whenever I go overseas (except Singapore), I must carry an additional document from the Immigration Department to certify that my passport is genuine. Then, only I’m allowed to enter in to and out from the country. The trouble is I had to renew the letter each time it expired, and the renewal time is different from my passport expiry date. Initially, I had problems renewing the letter and I also had to renew the letter annually. Later, the Immigration Department changed it to 5 years. Actually, in 1994, I went to Michael Chong and he held a press conference to highlight my case. I was featured in more than 10 newspapers – Malay, English and Chinese. Since then, I had no problem in getting the letter. I was even interviewed by one of the Malay press to share my experiences.

The letter expired early this year. So, I had to go to the Immigration Department in Putrajaya to renew it. They asked me to wait for 2 weeks. Previously, I could get the letter renewed on the spot. I thought that I had to return to Putrajaya again. Surprisingly, the letter was sent to me, and it included a cover letter that states that my case has been closed and I do not need the letter to travel anymore. Praise the Lord!

This Vietnam trip is the first time I could use the ‘Green Lane’ to pass through the Immigration at the airport without any glitches. No letter. No hassle. It felt good. What a relief! I am no longer an illegal immigrant. Hee! Hee! Hee!

Shopping in Vietnam

Ben Tanh Market

Saigon Square

All the things I brought back from Vietnam

12 different pairs of chopsticks

Porcelain from Minh Long

The Birth of Jesus

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Things are not very expensive in Vietnam but food is expensive. You must know how to bargain until almost 50 - 60% of the initial quoted price. You can bargain in English or Mandarin. Normally, they would quote the price in Vietnamese Dong. Then, you can divide that figure by 16000 Dong to convert it to USD (the current exchange rate). You can multiply that figure by 3.5 to give the RM equivalent. You may pay either in USD or Vietnamese Dong. Be careful if you pay in USD and they want to return the change in Dong. Calculate properly before you agree. Otherise, you may end up paying more. You may use their calculator to check.

I would suggest that you look out for a particular stall that has most of the things you wish to buy. Then, you have more bargaining power. Some would even give you their name card and ask you to introduce your friends to them. Generally, they are very friendly.

Ben Tanh market is a good place to shop for Vietnamese souvenirs. The night market is just outside Ben Tanh and things are normally cheaper. Saigon Square is the ideal place to shop for 'branded' goods. The price is comparable to shopping in Bandung, Indonesia. The quality of the product is pretty high. Saigon Square will be my next target if I ever visit Ho Chi Minh city again.

4th, 5th and 6th Day in Vietnam

Fourth Day (Friday)

Two meetings were scheduled. The meeting in the afternoon is about 1 hour drive away. So, after the first meeting in the morning, we returned to the hotel for awhile to collect our stuff and left for Dong Nai – a town where the College is situated. Upon arriving, we had steamboat for lunch.

I was not directly involved in this meeting with the College. I was there as an observer, and I have learnt much from my colleague Anis who presented to a group of about 200 students.

Scenes from Dong Nai

Anis and my other colleague planned to go to Saigon Square for shopping, but I decided to return to the hotel to rest. However, at about 7 pm, they called me up for dinner at Pho 24. It seemed that Saigon Square has closed. At Pho 24, I had the first taste of ice blended ciku – awesome!

Big ciku in Vietnam

After dinner, Anis shopped around the hotel, but I went back to the hotel to prepare for the last meeting tomorrow.


Fifth Day (Saturday)
The meeting was held at a College in Binh Duong which is about an hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. We had a meeting with the management team in the morning. Before lunch, they took us to Minh Long – http://www.minhlong.com/.

Minh Long known throughout Asia and Europe for its high quality porcelain was founded in 1970 by Mr. Ly Ngoc Minh, a man inspired by and devoted to creating exquisite porcelain. Minh Long is an independent family owned and operated company. Each piece of Minh Long porcelain is unequaled in craftsmanship and artistry. Its beauty and elegance has captured my heart. I bought a set of figurines that depict the birth of Jesus in the Manger. It includes baby Jesus, Joseph, Mary, three wise men, 2 angels and 3 barn animals. I also bought baby Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy.

We were so engrossed in choosing the porcelain that the hosts had to keep on reminding us that it was time for lunch. Lunch was fantastic – fish soup, prawns, clams, bitter gourd, and special coconut jelly for dessert. The rice was served in a unique manner – 2 little bowls closed together. I could finish only 1 bowl. It tasted nice – soft and the grain looks smaller than the rice here.

After the feast, it was time to meet with the students. There were about 400 students in the class! Firstly, we showed the corporate VCD of the College. Then, I gave a general presentation on the facilities and courses we offer. Next, I passed the remaining time to Anis to share with them 10 reasons to study at our College. Finally, we had the Q&A session. This is the first time I spoke to a group of students who mostly don’t speak/understand English. The translators were really helpful indeed. It is a good experience for me to share with such a big crowd, and to talk at a slower pace.

After the talk with the students, the Management presented each one of us with a gift from Minh Long – a porcelain plate which illustrates the vivid beauty of Vietnamese Culture. Cool, eh? It was a surprise. This is the only institution that treated us lunch and presented us with gift. They also provided us with transport to the College. Hehehe!

Scenes from Binh Duong

We left the College at about 3:30 pm. We went back to the hotel to change. Then, Anis and I took the taxi to Saigon Square – where she was trying to go the previous day. Actually, it was not closed but it has moved to another location nearby. Maps to the new location were distributed outside the old premises, and so we took the same taxi there. Saigon Square is a representative of modern shopping in Vietnam. It is new and clean. There are about 20 retail outlets selling ‘branded’ leather products, backpack, shirts and shoes. Seng Chor would be delighted to ‘make friends’ with the ‘pirates’.

After checking out the price, I was so tempted to buy a Guess handbag for 280 000 Dong = RM 61.00. Eventually, I didn’t and got branded a “bad girl” by the retailer. Hehehe! To celebrate my ‘achievement’ (able to control myself), I bought myself a bag with handmade embroidery for 130 000 Dong (RM 28). That’s all I bought from Saigon Square.

Next, we took the cab to Ben Tanh Market. Anis wanted to get some sandals. Well, I shopped again, but very little:

• 2 Key chains



• A spoon made of sea shell



• A bookmark

We had dinner at Pho 2000 – a cheaper restaurant than Pho 24. I ordered the refreshing ice blended ciku again. Then, we shopped some more at the night market because Ben Tanh market was closed. I bought 4 pairs of earrings.

Finally, it was enough! We took the cab back to the hotel and started to pack.


Sixth and Last Day (Sunday)
Anis and I traveled back to KLIA. Our flight landed before 1:30 pm.

Third Day in Vietnam

Thursday, 20 September 2007 - "Flying Rice"

We (colleague and agents) visited a University. As they were busy preparing for their 10th anniversary celebration on Saturday (22 September 2007), the meeting was cut short. However, one of the lecturers gave us a tour around the campus. I’m surprised that they are still using blackboard and chalk to teach. It reminds me of my school days. However, they have good facilities for food technology programme.

Saigon Technology University

As the meeting was really short, the 2 lovely agents in Vietnam took me shopping at Ben Tanh market – the place I shopped on the first day. They helped me to bargain and advised me on the best buy. What did I buy?
• A pair of sandals
• Tiny forks and spoons made of buffalo horn
• 3 wooden mirrors
• 1 wooden jewellery box
• 14 T-shirts
• 1 Vietnamese costume for Jordan
• 10 wooden painted butterflies for display

For lunch, they took me to Pho 24 – the place I had dinner on the first night. Pho 24 is everywhere. This one is next to Ben Tanh market. Nearby the hotel, there are 2 more Pho 24 restaurants. It reminds me of the 7-ll outlets in Hong Kong – you can find it in almost every corner. I ordered the same combo set – beef noodle, cane drink and caramel custard.

As it was still early, we went back to Ben Tanh market to shop again! I bought:
• A lantern
• The Kissing pigs for Jordan

It was almost 1 pm – time to leave for the next meeting.

The next meeting was at FPT University. It was a fruitful discussion. The MOU was signed by various parties, so I look forward to welcome students from the University.

The men had their own agenda after the meeting. For me, I decided to return to the hotel, used the Wifi at the Givral Palace in the hotel, and waited for my colleague, Anis who was arriving in the evening. She arrived at the hotel before 5:30 pm. This is her 3rd visit to Vietnam.

For dinner, Anis took my other colleague and me to a restaurant that serves “flying rice”. It’s very interesting indeed. The rice is cooked until it is almost burnt – so, it is a bit crispy, and looks like a rice cake. The serving is very unique – 2 persons are involved. On one end, one person breaks the plate and throws the rice to other person who stands next to our table. This second person catches and bounces it a few times before serving it. Next, he would mix the various sauces onto the rice and serve. Since we ordered two “flying rice”, they performed the stunt twice. The taste – as good as the serving!

I heard from my colleague that there were occasions when then second person failed to catch the rice. Then, the customers would “Woo” them. Hehehe! The rest of the dishes were pretty normal.

Since it was raining, we went back to the hotel – no more shopping for the day.


Our pot of rice



Steamed Fish

Chicken with cashew nuts

The "Flying Rice"


The sauces for "Flying Rice"

Video clip of the "Flying Rice"

Second Day in Vietnam – Afternoon

In the afternoon, we visited IT College, which is about 30 minutes from the hotel. Overall, it was a good discussion. We hope that we can collaborate in the future.

After the meeting, we went back to the hotel to meet up with our agent from Malaysia who has just arrived with a friend. We chatted for awhile. Then, they took us to the hotel where they are staying – just a few blocks from Palace Hotel. It’s probably a one-star hotel but looks cozy. Next, we shopped at a supermarket just opposite Palace Hotel. I bought chips (mixed fruits, jackfruit and banana), nougat, chewing gum, Vietnamese coffee and dried longan. Finally, we had dinner at a restaurant called 19. The most unique dish is the yam soup which is purple in colour. I enjoyed the coconut and fruits too. It was a satisfying dinner.

After dinner, I went back to my room to rest.



A wedding dinner - looks posh.

Second Day at Vietnam

On Wednesday, I visited a handicraft government factory for disabled. They are victims from the war. From the photos, you can observe their skills and creativity. Awesome!

After that, I made a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnel.

Cu Chi used to be a bitter battleground for many years during the Vietnam war. It is actually an “underground village” with the intricate network of over 200 km tunnels. A unique architectural structure, this is a system of tunnels deeply underground, with several floors, a labyrinth of intricate ways and windings, wherein are sections for accommodations, meeting, and preparing for battles.

According to the brochure, the Tunnel System embodies the undaunted will, intelligence, and pride of Cu Chi people, a symbol of Vietnamese revolutionary heroism. Hence, Cu Chi has been awarded the title of “Iron Land and Bronze Citadel”. To me, the tunnel is comparable to the Great Wall in China. It’s truly amazing!

You can also challenge yourselves with rifle shooting at shooting range, which my colleague did. I just watched from the side. The sound from the rifle was overwhelming.

The Government Factory

Cu Chi Tunnel

Palace Hotel Saigon, Vietnam

Palace hotel is a three star hotel which retains its original French architecture style in Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon. The Palace hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the Saigon city, within walking distance of the main business district, shopping centers, Ben Thanh market and entertainment area.

On the first day, I was given a suite because the hotel was fully booked. It was a big room with 2 single beds and 1 double bed. Well, I slept only on one single bed. I moved to the standard room on the next day, and shared the room with my colleague, Anis when she arrived on Thursday, 20 September 2007.

The buffet breakfast was cool. It was on the 14th floor - rooftop. The view was great indeed. Nice breeze as well. What did I eat? Dumpling, sausages, bacon, porridge (once), bread, muffin (once), noodle (everyday), omelette, fruits (dragon fruit, watermelon). Drinks - fruit juices (orange, pineapple), coffee and tea. Of course, I didn't eat and drink all these in one meal. I had most of it everyday. Hehehe...

My hotel rooms

Scenes from the Hotel Rooftop

First Day in Vietnam

As soon as I arrived at the hotel, my colleague straight away asked me to go shopping with him. He found out the direction to this famous Benh Tanh Market - something like our Central Market but cheaper stuff. There is a night market in that area as well. We walked there - about 10 minutes. It was difficult because of the traffic. As I mentioned before, crossing the road is a real challenge in Vietnam. Furthermore, they drive on the left-hand size of the car. So, my colleague had to warn me each time I tried to cross the road. We need to look at both directions because sometimes the motorbikes zig-zag along the road but they don't drive as fast as the Malaysian bikers.

Things that I bought on the first day:

• Chopsticks with various designs


• 50 key chains


• 2 Jewellery boxes made of stone


• Fridge magnets

After that, we had dinner at Pho 24 - a chain restaurant on the street next to the hotel. It's my first bowl of beef noodle (Pho). I ordered the combo set which came with the beef noodle, a can of cane drink and caramel custard. It was a good meal - 43000 Dong ~ RM 10.

Next, we had Vietnamese coffee at the Givral Place in the hotel. There's free Wifi access. So, we checked our emails and I chatted awhile on the msn.

I went to bed around 12 midnight - Malaysia time. Vietnam is actually one hour behind Malaysia.

Posting from Vietnam!

This is my 3rd day in Vietnam.

First impression - Bad traffic. I am still amazed at how the people drive in Vietnam. I thought that it was bad in Beijing, but Vietnam is worse. You need to be very brave to drive here. Crossing the road is a challenge as well. The motorbikes come in all directions. There are so many motorbikes around. The cyclists do not wear helmet. Most of them wear a handkerchief as a mask.

Up to now, I have visited 3 institutions:

• Information Technology College (ITC)


• Saigon Technology University (STU)


• FPT University

I will update more about my trip soon….

Right now, I am chatting with Seng Chor, my colleague and friends on Live Messenger…

Vietnam Trip

Today, I will be leaving for Vietnam for a business trip to promote the courses in my College. I’ll be back on Sunday, 23 September 2007. This will be my second time away from Jordan for such a long time – 6 days. The first long absence from him was my Hong Kong trip when I went there to present my research paper at a Conference. Seng Chor went with me. We were there for 7 days.

I’m going to miss Jordan a lot. I told him about my trip. I also told him that I would pray for him every day. Gave him lots of kisses last night and this morning. He gave me one kiss this morning. I almost cried as I see him leave for the babysitter.

Hopefully, can update from Vietnam…